Two Versions Of The Nutcracker Come To Kelsey Theatre 12/17-19

Celebrate the holiday season with magical dance and music. "The Nutcracker" will be retold in two beautiful adaptations at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre in December. Both events take place at MCCC's Kelsey Theatre, located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.

The New Jersey Youth Ballet, under the direction of David Kieffer, will present a one-hour narrated version of "The Nutcracker" on Friday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 18 and 19 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. This company of dancers composed almost entirely of children and teens will recreate classic Nutcracker moments - dolls and sweets coming to life, mice and toy soldiers doing battle, and snowflakes dancing in a beautiful snow-covered forest. It's all set in 19th century Europe with music by Tchaikovsky. After each performance, families are invited on stage to meet the dancers, get autographs and take pictures. Tickets are $12 for all. More information about the company is available at www.newjerseyyouthballet.org.

Then, for one show only, on Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m., the critically acclaimed Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre presents "El Sueño" (The Dream), based on the themes of The Nutcracker. The entire family will enjoy this Three King's celebration, as Clarita's dream takes her to an enchanted land of the Majas and her matador doll does battle with the Toro King. In its first Kelsey appearance, the Alborada troupe, led by Executive and Artistic Director Eva Lucena, will feature dancers of all ages as they present a broad spectrum of Spanish and Latin American music and dance traditions, including flamenco and other regional dances. The program is funded in part by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the American Music Center Live Music for Dance Program. Tickets are $15 for adults and seniors, $10 for students, and $8 for children ages 2-12. More information about the Alborada company is available at www.AlboradaDance.org.

Tickets for both productions may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey website.